Pelvic ultrasound is commonly used to investigate symptoms such as pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, menstrual problems, fertility concerns or suspected gynaecological conditions.
Pelvic ultrasound can help doctors detect or monitor conditions such as ovarian cysts, fibroids, polyps, pelvic masses and other abnormalities of the reproductive organs. The examination may be performed using an external probe on the lower abdomen (transabdominal ultrasound) and sometimes an internal scan using a small probe inserted into the vagina (transvaginal ultrasound) to provide more detailed images.
A pelvic ultrasound may be recommended to investigate symptoms such as pelvic pain, abnormal or heavy periods, irregular bleeding, infertility, or suspected conditions affecting the uterus or ovaries.
You will need to drink 500mls of water, one hour before your appointment.You will lie on an examination bed while a sonographer places gel on your lower abdomen and moves a small handheld probe across the skin to capture images. In some cases, a transvaginal ultrasound may also be performed to provide clearer views of the pelvic organs.
You will need to drink 500mls of water, one hour before your appointment, as this helps improve the quality of the images. Preparation instructions may vary depending on the type of scan being performed.
Ultrasound does not use radiation and is considered a very safe imaging test with no known harmful side effects.
A pelvic ultrasound usually takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on the type of examination and the information needed.
This information has been reviewed by I-MED Radiologist Dr Bridget Sutton, MBBS, FRANZCR, Diploma Fetal Medicine
This information has been reviewed by I-MED Radiologist Dr Bridget Sutton, MBBS, FRANZCR, Diploma Fetal Medicine